NARRATING EVIL

Let's begin the story with a clichéd and somewhat banal question-- did Felani, a 15- year- old girl who was shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) look like a terrorist? The answer is pretty simple- no. This answer brings to mind another question- Why did the BSF's official video and statements say that they are fighting against terrorists at the border? 

May be the term "Fighting against Terrorism" is a way of manufacturing consent in regard to border killing among the common people. Indian soldiers fighting the Bollywood-style war against terrorism in the video constructed a sense of moral understanding among the common Indians. And for that reason in spite of BSF's cruelty, most of the Indian media and masses find seemingly moral reasons to support these horrific actions of the border guards. They support it because they believe BSF is fighting against terrorists and illegal immigrants.     

Photo: Star File

But in reality, BSF is killing unarmed civilians in the name of self-defence and action against terrorism. 

The 4,096-kilometer long international border between India and Bangladesh is now considered as one of the the most dangerous frontiers in the world. Rights Jessore, a local non-government organisation's report says in the first two months of 2015, eighteen Bangladeshis have been killed and tortured by the BSF. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of the Department of International Relations of Dhaka University says, "70 percent of the unfortunate victims were cattle traders. The BSF has apologised for the recent killings but justice has not been ensured. If justice was ensured then the killing would be reduced to zero by this time." 

At the border, death is the only penalty for crossing the fence or even going near it. Watch towers and floodlights are yet to be installed along the fences. But this fence is not a solution to stop the killing that is going on at one of the world's largest borders. Professor Imtiaz firmly argues that in history there are no such examples that a fence or a wall changes the scenario of migration. 

The Indian fence is not completed yet but it is already striking terror among the ordinary people. The killing is not going to end soon. Before building a fence all around the border, India should accept that BSF is not only fighting against terrorism they are killing civilians which is an absolute violation of human rights. Besides Indian government should allow cattle trading as a legal business, it is a billion dollar trade so in a way the Indian government can be benefited out of it and at the same time the border killing can be eliminated.